Global Advisory Board

James is a multifaceted designer and IT professional with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. He brings a unique blend of skills to drive innovation and growth. With expertise that spans from web development, graphic design, sales, and education, James is passionate about leveraging technology to solve real-world problems and boost educational outcomes for the youth of Kilifi County and Kenya at large.

With a strong background in customer service and team collaboration, he thrives in environments where no challenge is too complex and every opportunity is a chance to learn and grow. Currently, as a Digitech Instructor at Elimu Resource Center he is empowering the trainees of our Digitech training program as well as teachers and young aspiring IT students with practical skills for the technology-driven work and study world. In addition, he is a central part of the communications team at Elimu, managing our website and graphic design requirements and assisting with the social media activities of the organisation. He seeks to make a positive impact on education through technology while exploring new ways to innovate and contribute to his field of expertise and his own professional growth

Ogola is a dedicated software developer and educator with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the Technical University of Mombasa. To expand his expertise, he completed multiple software engineering bootcamps, developing a strong interest in machine learning and data science, which continues to fuel his  passion for emerging technologies.

Currently, he serves as a Digitech Instructor at Elimu Resource Centre, where he empowers aspiring IT students with practical, real-world skills. His leadership has allowed him to merge his technical expertise with andragogy (adult learning), creating impactful learning experiences that bridge the gap between theory and application.

Combining innovation, creativity, and a commitment to excellence, he strives to prepare Elimu’s students to meet real-world challenges and succeed in technology-driven careers. By fostering a culture of life long learning and problem-solving, he aims to inspire the next generation of tech leaders and innovators and develop IT leaders for Kilifi County!

Currently resides in Calgary, Alberta where she is the Vice President of the Calgary Marketing Association and owns her own marketing company. 2011 to 2014 she lived in Denver Colorado where she worked with OpenWorld Learning, a non-profit organization that supported after school learning using computer programming. From 2009 to 2011,

Jan travelled extensively teaching English at two private international schools in Thailand and volunteering for Elimu in Kenya, tutoring the children of Nyumbani Kwetu Home, as well as offering planning and development consulting for the establishment of Elimu as a charitable organization. Jan has over 20 years in the marketing profession with ten of those at Canada Post Corporation where she specialized in International Product Development and was in various management and leadership roles.

She also worked as National Marketing Manager of Travel CUTS (Canadian Universities Travel Services). Jan is a founding member of the Elimu board of directors and was instrumental in designing the strategy for taking Elimu from our founders’ project to a formal charitable entity. She led Elimu as Chairperson from 2018 – 2021.

He is Principal of Integral North. Prior to this, George spent nine years as President of the Ottawa Community Loan Fund, (OCLF) as well as 9 years as a City and Regional Councillor in Ottawa. As a Councillor, he served as Chair of the City’s Economic Affairs Committee and the Region’s Environmental Services Committee.

He has a Master’s of Science Degree in Community Economic Development from New Hampshire College’s Graduate School of Business (now Southern New Hampshire University) and an LL.B. degree from the University of Ottawa Law School. He was called to the Bar in Ontario in September, 2003.

He is Chair of United Way Ottawa’s Community Impact Cabinet and a Member of it’s Board of Directors. George is a founding member of the Elimu board of directors and our first chairperson, serving from 2011 – 2017.

Cindy Rodriguez is inspired by delivering education and empowerment to women and girls. She holds MAs in Curriculum and Instruction and Education Leadership. She has had an active hand in charity work ranging from assisting Latino students with scholarships to the development of preschools in Darfur/Chad refugee camps before diving into Elimu Girls as her main charitable focus. She believes providing a voice, choice, and a bank account to marginalized female communities will disrupt the cycles of poverty, child bride rituals, and female genital mutilation practices.

As a thought leader in education, a prior teacher & K-8 administrator, Cindy’s education background promotes Elimu Girls reaching their full potential. She is also passionate about creating pathways for female entrepreneurship. Cindy and Nina Chung, Elimu Founder, have collaborated on the development of Elimu Sewing Project since 2013 following Cindy’s first visit to Kenya. In her free time, she enjoys baking, cooking, travel, running with her two dogs, and being an active mom.

Elimu Girls engages U.S. audiences to support the empowerment of vulnerable rural Kenyan girls through Elimu Sewing Project, and is an initiative of Elimu-USA, an official 501(c)3 charitable organization.

As an Elimu sewing graduate Janet proudly announced “I am no longer a burden to my parents!” Later her parents passed away and she became the provider for her siblings.

Margaret’s dream of flying didn’t seem possible with no one to pay high school fees. But Elimu did that and she made it to aviation college where she trained as a cabin crew.

Rose dropped out in Grade 4. By age 18 with two children she was desperate. With her sewing training from Elimu she is now giving her children the education she never had.

Her seven siblings never made it to high school and Magdalene’s fate looked the same until Elimu got involved. Today she is the first high school graduate of her family.

David used to be sent home for lack of school fees. So he would jump the fence and sneak into class. Elimu helped him complete high school. Today he is putting himself through university.

The last of 8 Caroline’s future was to be early marriage like her sisters. But with Elimu helped her start her own sewing business. She is making a name for herself in her community.

As the last of 10 Janet had no hope of education. But Elimu gave her a sewing business and digital skills. Today she is volunteers as a community youth advisor in her village.

As the oldest at Nyumbani Kwetu Home, Sarah is the first in the family to complete high school and achieve a college diploma as well. The rest are following her footsteps.

Ibrahim did not realize as a child that his drawing was his future. But with a little guidance he found his talent. Today, he is an Interior Designer building his own business.

After graduating from our sewing project, Maryam wanted to get to work immediately. She branded her business Superwoman Designs and sews garments inspired by the superwomen in her life.

When everyone had lost hope in Pendo’s ability to learn, she worked hard and graduated with a certificate in tailoring. Her machine now speaks for her as she makes beautiful garments and even looks forward to teaching her mother the craft of sewing.

Before joining our microcredit group for parents, Harriet was a small business owner struggling to educate and feed her children. Today, she can take loans to boost her business in tough times. She saves regularly and prepares for the future!

Not having a source of income, Peninnah could not afford food for her family. When she joined Elimu’s SILC for parents, Peninnah started saving and was able to set up a sewing business. She now comfortably provides for her family.

Her volunteering experiences at the Centre motivated Lavender to grow her skills in photography and journalism. She is now headed for a career in the media field!

Wanjiku started  her internship experience  shy and  reserved . She sharpened her people skills by volunteering in our Cisco Networking Academy . She is now at  university  and volunteers teaching children and youth STEM approaches to education.

With no one to  pay fees, before Elimu, Duncan worked as a night guard to pay his own way. He missed many school days but he never gave up . He is now the president to the student leadership  at his school.

From a college diploma, she now inspires girls and women in the community to find their spark in ICT.

It started as a passion working behind the camera. He now he does what he does best; creating engaging content.

With a degree in Fashion Design from Kenyatta University, Neema is the first trained fashion designer to work at Elimu. She builds on her creativity with a good foundation in organization and planning skills and a high level of flexibility. Her past experience includes working with community projects engaging young women in economic development.

Neema leads the Elimu Sewing Project where she oversees key project areas including Elimu’s Artisan Makers Space and the Elimu Girls’ sewing sponsorship program. She joined the Elimu team to support the agenda of long-term sustainability for the organisation. Through collaboration, she is helping to create opportunities for economic growth for our sewing alumni. She is also steering the development of the Artisan Makers Space to increase the type and breadth of skills we offer our sewing alumni and to scale it to make it available to more artisans in the Malindi community. She manages Elimu’s Fashion and Design program which aims to journey with our sewing graduates to foster thriving tech-savvy artisans. Neema also leads the Pendo Artisan Ragdoll production, supporting Elimu’s engagement with various partners in Kenya and abroad to develop new markets for the doll.

Kristina is the Founder & CEO of The Spectacular Middle,where she works with Entrepreneurs as they grow their businesses and activate their own CEO status. Bringing her years of experience working behind the scenes to the forefront to support growing enterprises to bring their big visions into reality.

Lives in Ottawa, Canada. Currently, she is a PR and outreach professional with 20+ years of experience. Suzanne brings extensive knowledge in developing and implementing effective communication strategies. With expertise in event planning and media relations, she is passionate in helping to tell Elimu’s evolving story.

She provides guidance on social media strategies and communications opportunities. She headed fundraising activities for Upendo School from 2010 – 2013, and visited Kenya in 2012 to attend the colourful thanksgiving celebration for the school opening in the Sabaki village.

A founding partner of Toronto law firm Howie, Sacks & Henry LLP, Michael practises personal injury law and is committed to helping accident victims and their families through difficult times to achieving a fair result to compensate them for their losses.

Michael’s commitment to support victims of personal injury is extended to his charitable activities. He has served as a Trustee for several local community organizations which focus on support for brain injury victims. He is also founder of the “Personal Injury Bar Charity Hockey Challenge,” an annual tournament that has raised almost $1-million for the Canadian Spinal Research Organization’s “Shoot for a Cure” campaign for the prevention and cure of spinal cord injuries.

Michael has been personally involved with Elimu for many years. He shares his community engagement skills and networks to raise funds to support young people who face significant challenges in completing their education. Amongst the those who have benefitted are a young woman who was the first girl in her village to finish high school and a young man who is now pursuing medical studies!

Lives in Québec and works as coach, lecturer and guide to the enterprise community. Trained in NLP, Management, Education, Psychology, he has spent the past 35 years roaming the work market, internationally, in both public and private sectors. He specializes in helping people to better perform in their own realities in terms of organizational culture, market and numbers. He’s also an entrepreneur who understands the need to change and evolve within the frame of a business. As a guide, his hobby, he has guide-coached small groups through personal and geographical transitions in remote areas such as the Sahara Desert in Tunisia, the Savannah in Kenya and some Holy Places in India. Guy’s expertise is invaluable in guiding Elimu through the changes and challenges of organization growth and development.

Paul works as a consultant where his skills power individuals and groups for innovating and developing themselves. Passionate and curious by nature, he leads others to question, to change perspectives, and to systematize in order to discover new avenues to the future. His approach embraces transformation-producing activities. His support is guiding Elimu to understand the ever-changing business environment, explore possibilities, imagine the potential that lies within our organization’s assets and team-members, be more agile in decision-making and translate shift into sound and impactful actions. In his own words: “I’m incredibly proud of the impactful projects Elimu has undertaken in the past five years I have worked with them. Everyday, ELIMU transforms the lives of kids and adults alike in Malindi. And one day, all of Kenya will be truly thankful for Nina’s vision and for the concrete actions ELIMU’s partners, volunteers and employees have undertaken with perseverance and heart”.

Originally from England, Tom now lives in Nanyuki, Kenya, and is Head of School at Braeburn Nanyuki International School. He worked with Elimu Founder, Nina Chung, as a volunteer with VSO in Kenya between 2003-2005 and was present at the early meetings between Elimu and Upendo School management committee, where he was able to provide valuable advice from an educational perspective. He continues to provide support and educational consulting to Elimu for all of our projects.

Holds a Masters in Child Psychology. Since graduating, Leanna has worked in a number of industries – education, publishing, travel and tourism, television and hospitality and consumer packaged goods – in a variety of positions – marketing manager, director of communications, senior brand manager, reporter, publisher, owner and operator. She recently worked as the Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Algonquin College and is currently the Director of Marketing and Membership at the Canadian Psychological Association. Leanna is passionate about education and mental health and helping empower youth to be all they can, and want to, be.

Lives in Kent, England where she is a, Motivational Coach and Mentor, after an earlier career in international marketing. She provides advice and direction to Elimu Founder, Nina Chung on issues of program development, relationship management and life skills consulting both with respect to the development of Elimu as an organization and with regards to internal issues relating to Elimu project partners and clients. Jane also assists with fundraising in the UK.

Lives in Mexico City where he is an independent film director. He spent two months in Kenya in 2011 where he produced videos to document Elimu project developments and created a photographic library of images from all Elimu projects. He continues to assist Elimu’s communication media manager with advice and support. He has also organized fundraising activities in Mexico to promote and support the work of Elimu in Kenya.

Lives in Mexico City where she works with a local non- profit organization involved in capacity building and skills training amongst traditional communities in the impoverished region of Chiapas. Valerie volunteered with Elimu for two months in 2011, assisting with monitoring and evaluation tools for Elimu projects. She also helped to produce formats for Elimu agreements with local project partners. In Mexico, she continues to support Elimu projects through fundraising activities.

An entrepreneur in his own right. He holds a Commerce Degree from Kenyatta University and owns a successful automotive business in Malindi. He is in charge of Elimu’s Kenyan operations, handling all aspects of management and administration including financial planning, budgeting and accounting. He works closely with the President and shares the responsibility for liaison with the Canadian board of directors and the Kenyan team. He is in charge of human resources and mentors youth in our programs, especially high school graduates in employability and entrepreneurship. Prior to Elimu, he worked as Program Manager—Business Development at Kenya Enterprises Resource Centre (KESREC) helping local community groups with business planning and start-up including savings and loan training, budgeting, business plan writing and resource mobilization.

Nina divides her time between Kenya and Canada. She leads the Kenyan team in collaboration with the CEO and manages the liaison with the Canadian board of directors. She is responsible for Kenyan and international outreach for funding, resource and partnership development. She left a successful business to her partner in Ottawa, Canada in 2004 to volunteer in Kenya. During that time, she began assisting children with education and entrepreneurship training and established Elimu to make her projects sustainable. Nina has over 30 years’ experience in project management, partnership development, international marketing and business strategy planning. She worked over 14 years marketing international travel and cultural exchange programs and services to youth and student markets. In 1996, she started a successful marketing consulting firm in Ottawa. She has conducted market research and implemented communications programs for culturally diverse consumer markets. She has lived and worked in a variety of cultural environments. Nina holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from the University of Western Ontario, Canada.

She is a native of Quebec City but has lived in Ottawa for over 45 years. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Mathematics from St. Thomas University in Fredericton, New Brunswick. She spent her entire 33-year work career with the federal government as an economist and policy advisor in the Energy Sector of Natural Resources Canada, retiring in 2008. Maureen served for two years as treasurer of the Ottawa District Golf Association. She then became treasurer of the Ottawa Heart Institute Auxiliary, a position she held for 20 years. After retiring from the public service, she assumed the position of Managing Director for the Auxiliary. Maureen was also the treasurer of a small investment club for 15 years and has participated in a number of committees in her church, including 3 years on the finance committee.

Penina is the only girl in her family to complete primary school, but she couldn’t get to high school. Elimu started her off with her own business and now she helps support her single mum.

When his mum died Jackson had no one to rely on. Elimu got him through high school and helped him apply for his first job after graduation. Today he provides for himself.

James started school late because of lack of fees. But once enrolled by Elimu he caught up and excelled. Today he is in college working his way to a career in journalism!

Poor health got Maria labelled ‘weak’ but her true quality is perseverance. Sewing skills changed her status and made her a provider. She proudly owns livestock.

Joseph’s happiest day was his first day of school! It nearly didn’t happen. Elimu’s support and all the school supplies he needed made him top of the class. Now he is at university.

Volunteering at Elimu Resource Centre, Hosea gained digital skills that he couldn’t get at school. Today he is pursuing computer science at university.

Before Elimu schooling was on and off. But with resources and mentorship Njoroge gained 125 marks in just one year! He is currently at college pursuing his dream of becoming a doctor.

Merciline started sewing college and loved it but fees ran out. Elimu stepped in, kept up her training and gave her a machine. Now she is saving to open her own workshop.

Her sister was married in primary school, but with Elimu Mariamu followed a different path. Her sewing income gave her the freedom to move her business to another village.

Priscah and 10 siblings depended on one brother for everything. With Elimu she found the joy of starting a sewing business. She’s helping put her siblings through school.

All 12 sisters were married off. But Nancy’s sewing skills and machine set her on a different path. She’s a breadwinner and recently bought her first pair of eye glasses.

Naomi would have dropped out but with Elimu she completed high school. As an intern at Elimu Resource Centre she gained digital skills and the guidance to make it to university.

Mary was to be married off but her local priest brought her to Elimu. Now she runs a sewing business and built herself a traditional home with a room to rent for extra cash.

Her parish priest helped Dorothy join Elimu’s sewing program instead of being married off after Grade 8. Her skills gave her freedom to start her business away from her rural village.

As one of 8 children, Salome’s options after Gr. 8 were few. But with sewing training from Elimu and a new machine she started her own business and now trains other girls in her village.

Amina fought for her voice. She worked as a “house girl” to pay for sewing training but the salary was too little. Elimu sponsored her and two years later she started her business.

With no one to pay his school fees, before Elimu, Duncan worked as a night guard to pay his own way. He missed many school days but he never gave up. He is now the President to the student leadership at his school.

Miriam had given up hope when her mother could not afford to keep her in school. When Elimu came in and paid her high school fees in a boarding school, Miriam found inspiration to study and aim for a career in nursing.

Ian is in charge of normal operations at the office and organizing and maintaining all aspects of our physical plant. He has vast experience in this field and a singular dedication to excellence. Ian brings to Elimu a wide range of experience in first aid, fire safety, disaster management, as well as conferencing and warehouse management among others.

He completed the Cisco Networking Academy online course in IT Essentials – receiving his certificate from the Canadian High Commissioner during Elimu’s Youth Info Forum in December, 2019. He’s now a certified Cisco technician. Prior to joining Elimu, he worked at Pope Francis Rescue Centre where he helped develop their child protection policy and at Kenya Red Cross Society. 

He also has strong interpersonal skills that allow him to engage with the Elimu beneficiaries and the general community in a variety of settings. Ian is multi-skilled and a team member who supports his colleagues to be able to implement their program activities in a clean, efficient, child and youth friendly environment. He helps keep staff and beneficiaries safe in their day to day activities at Elimu Resource Centre. When needs arise, he also steps in as a driver for the team.

Quinter is an experienced professional with a background in Agricultural Economics (B.A., 2017) and a strong passion for community service, education and child development. Since graduation, Quinter has dedicated her time to various volunteering roles, beginning with supporting struggling readers in a public School through read-aloud sessions and play-based learning for grades 2 and 3, she was deployed at Malindi Central Primary through G-United Program in 2018, where she volunteered from April to October 2018. She has also been involved with Elimu Development Projects as a volunteer, helping struggling readers in Malindi Prison, Juvenile Correction Centre and Pope Francis Rescue Centre. In addition to that she is also been serving the community by providing nutritional aid and holistic lessons to caregivers of orphans and vulnerable children at high risk of malnutrition.

Currently, as Elimu’s Program Officer – Special Needs Communities, Quinter serves as a project lead for enhancing early childhood development and education and for our outreach programs for learners with special needs. She designed and launched our Elimu Familia Stawi project which integrates caregivers and their children to boost cognitive and social-emotional skills, improve school readiness, and strengthen parent-child relationships, ultimately promoting lifelong learning outcomes.

Phay is a passionate educator and English Literature major with a Bachelor’s degree from Pwani University, awarded in 2018. Currently serving as the Program Officer for Education, Phay specializes in implementing and overseeing both the internal and external educational programs of Elimu. With a strong commitment to digital literacy, teacher training, and expanding educational access to learners of all kinds and capacities, Phay ensures that students in underserved communities receive quality education. Key early achievements include enhancing Elimu’s outreach Digital Reading Program at Malindi Prison, re-introducing the program at Malindi’s Juvenile Remand Centre and successfully introducing a specially designed reading program at the Malindi Women’s Prison, promoting learning and literacy in these unique environments. 

Phay is the creative spark behind the internal educational activities at Elimu Resource Centre which provide students with a variety of learning opportunities such as debates, writing competitions and life skills seminars. She is dedicated to enhancing education through innovative approaches and is a leader in delivering Elimu’s Offline eLearning Solution to the community. With her entrepreneurial spirit, she injects a unique approach to learning and supports the team in charge of the sewing project and Elimu Familia Stawi project for early childhood education in areas of both education and economic empowerment.

Wambui is in charge of enrolling and keeping up-to-date with all of the beneficiaries in our projects. She administers Elimu’s School Sponsorship Program and follows up our sponsored children at school and at home. She runs the microfinance table-banking group for parents at Elimu Resource Centre. Wambui has been dedicated to Elimu for over a decade.

She originally headed the household of Nyumbani Kwetu as housemother. During that time, with fifteen children under her care and a household to run, she successfully pursued a self-directed study program to complete her high school education and received her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education in 2015. Then in 2017, she completed a college program in Social Work. Wambui is guardian of Elimu’s mentorship approach and liaises with staff on any issues related to the social welfare of children in our programs.

Esther started her career journey at Elimu as an intern before joining the Elimu team to support the Skills Development department in the area of Entrepreneurship. She is now in charge of our Front Office managing all aspects of welcoming guests to Elimu Resource Centre. She ensures a positive welcoming experience and atmosphere at our reception and liaises with all project areas to coordinate data collection and reporting. She supports the executive team as well as all departments with administration activities and assists with registration and record-keeping for all beneficiaries. She works with the team that trains our sewing students on financial and social literacy skills and helped design the curriculum for the entrepreneurship and life skills training for our sewing project.

Additionally she has been instrumental in training Elimu Familia Stawi caregivers in financial literacy, digital use, child development and parenting skills. Esther has a big heart for community service. Her background is in Social Work with a degree from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology. She brings her concern for the welfare and development of all people especially children and youth to her work at Elimu as she supports the team with all aspects of engagement with our beneficiaries.

Anthony is a seasoned IT professional and an advocate for technology-driven empowerment with a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology. As a certified Cisco Networking Academy instructor, he has played a pivotal role in advancing digital skills training in Kilifi County, especially empowering girls and women with IT. In August 2019, he launched Elimu’s Cisco Networking Academy, which has since trained and certified hundreds of learners, equipping them with essential 21st-century skills.

As the Programs Manager for Skills Development at Elimu, Anthony leads initiatives such as the Digitech Lab project, which bridges the digital divide by empowering youth with hands-on skills in coding, robotics, and IT for greater employment success. He has successfully organized impactful programs like the Digitech Hackathon and Youth Information Forums, fostering innovation, collaboration, and career readiness among young minds. Anthony is also the driving force behind Elimu’s IT Club, mentoring a dynamic network of alumni who share his passion for technology.

Anthony is deeply involved in community outreach, sensitizing the public on the transformative role of technology in everyday life. He is instrumental in maintaining Elimu’s digital infrastructure, from setting up the eHub to managing advanced digital tools and resources that support lifelong learning.

In addition to his technical expertise, Anthony is an avid musician and composer who finds joy in playing the piano and inspiring others through Catholic music. His blend of technical acumen, mentorship, and creativity makes him a valuable asset to Elimu’s mission of promoting lifelong learning and youth empowerment.

Maina is a dedicated ICT and EdTech professional with over a decade of experience driving impactful solutions in the education sector through his work with Elimu Development Projects. His journey with Elimu began in 2012 as a volunteer, where he developed a deep passion for leveraging technology to enhance learning outcomes. In 2016, he transitioned into a consulting role, and by 2018, he became a full-time staff member, now serving as the Manager for the ICT and EdTech.

In this role, he has spearheaded the development and implementation of Elimu’s Offline eLearning Solution (OES), making education accessible to underserved communities without reliable internet connectivity. His work extends to collaborating with esteemed global organizations like UNESCO and Chalice Canada, where he played a key role in setting up school servers for the OES network. These efforts have revolutionized how educational content is delivered and accessed, fostering inclusivity and resilience in learning systems.

He is passionate about using technology to bridge the education gap, empowering learners and educators alike through innovative digital tools and infrastructure. His expertise spans ICT strategy, project management, and educational technology solutions, with a focus on creating sustainable and scalable impact in the communities we serve.

An expert in community development, majoring in sociology, Jonah has over ten years’ experience working with local and international NGOs. At the Kenya Red Cross, he set up a successful community resource centre. During a placement in the UK with VSO-Jitolee, he was attached to Peace Child International, where he worked in Be the Change Challenge, a program designed for schools focusing on change of behavior to help ease global warming. He also worked with Meadows Children Centre, where he designed a very popular program that enhanced the involvement of fathers with their children by creating a “Footie Fives” football team. Jonah has worked as project officer with CRS/Caritas on a water and sanitation program where he was in charge of the social aspect of the project, as well as liaison with state and non-state agencies.

At Elimu, he is responsible for policy development, program design and implementation, community relations and mobilization and program capacity building to ensure long term sustainability of projects. He was instrumental in the design and set up of Elimu Resource Centre (ERC) in 2016 and the successful move to its larger private premises in 2018. Under his able management, ERC was awarded 2nd prize in the community library category at the Kenyan Library Maktaba Awards in 2017 (just 15 months after launching) and again in 2018.

An entrepreneur in his own right, Kamotho holds a Commerce Degree from Kenyatta University and owns a successful automotive business in Malindi. He is in charge of Elimu’s Kenyan operations, handling all aspects of management and administration including financial planning, budgeting and accounting. He works closely with the President and shares the responsibility for liaison with the Canadian board of directors and the Kenyan team.

He is in charge of human resources and mentors youth in our programs, especially high school graduates in employability and entrepreneurship. Prior to Elimu, he worked as Program Manager—Business Development at Kenya Enterprises Resource Centre (KESREC) helping local community groups with business planning and start-up including savings and loan training, budgeting, business plan writing and resource mobilization.

She is also founder and president of Elimu (Canada). She divides her time between Kenya and Canada. She leads the Kenyan team in collaboration with the CEO and manages the liaison with the Canadian board of directors. She is responsible for Kenyan and international outreach for funding, resource and partnership development. She left a successful business to her partner in Ottawa, Canada in 2004 to volunteer in Kenya. During that time, she began assisting children with education and entrepreneurship training and established Elimu to make her projects sustainable. Nina has over 30 years’ experience in project management, partnership development, international marketing and business strategy planning. She worked over 14 years marketing international travel and cultural exchange programs and services to youth and student markets. In 1996, she started a successful marketing consulting firm in Ottawa, Canada. She has conducted market research and implemented communications programs for culturally diverse consumer markets. She has lived and worked in a variety of cultural environments. Nina holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from the University of Western Ontario, Canada.

Born and raised in Southern California, she describes herself as too curious for my own good. Her favorite colour is yellow and she will gladly make pancakes for anyone who asks! She learned to sew as a girl from a neighbor. She would wake up early to make herself an outfit to wear to school and eventually even made prom dresses for her friends in high school. She sews because it makes her happy. She started Tomfoolery.la to create problem-solving designs and make people’s lives better.

She designs jumpsuits because she believes they are the perfect manifestation of the energy and adventure of a tomboy packaged as a classy lady.

Wendy is an entrepreneur. She runs a historic farmhouse Bed & Breakfast in Massachusetts, and also leads workshops and retreats that empower women to be themselves and to see themselves in new and inspiring ways.

Kristi believes that creativity is freedom and describes herself as an artist, maker, designer and creativity catalyst. She is a speaker, author, a podcast host and leads retreats and workshops for entrepreneurs to unlock individual and team creativity.

Dividing her time between Kenya and Canada, Nina leads the Kenyan team in collaboration with the CEO and manages the liaison with the Canadian board of directors. She is responsible for Kenyan and international outreach for funding, resource and partnership development. She left a successful business to her partner in Ottawa, Canada in 2004 to volunteer in Kenya. During that time, she began assisting children with education and entrepreneurship training and established Elimu to make her projects sustainable.

Nina has over 30 years’ experience in project management, partnership development, international marketing and business strategy planning. She worked over 14 years marketing international travel and cultural exchange programs and services to youth and student markets. In 1996, she started a successful marketing consulting firm in Ottawa, Canada. She has conducted market research and implemented communications programs for culturally diverse consumer markets. She has lived and worked in a variety of cultural environments. Nina holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from the University of Western Ontario, Canada.